STORM
FRONT
By Tyrel "Rock"
Wolf
CHAPTER 10 - Stormy Weather
* * * * * * *
Sarah watched on as the runners got
ready for the 100-meter dash. She sat on the bank, feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
There was no one around her that she really felt close to. Sure she was sitting with
friends, but none of them her real friends. Mike and Lucas were both on Camp. And Marcel
and Storm were both down on the field preparing to run. Still though, it was Wednesday and
Mike would be back in two days. She definitely liked hanging with the boys more than the
girls.
Sarah leaned back against the bank
and waited for the race to start. It was a brilliantly warm day, perfect for sitting
outside and watching some babes sweat. Stacey Peters and Claire Carlyle flanked her on
either side. Neither of whom she had a particular affinity to but she didn't have much
choice today. Sarah ran her hands through the blades of grass, bored and lonely.
"You know. I used to think that
Storm was cool. But he is such a loser." Stacey snickered.
"Is that right geek girl?"
Claire retorted. "Why don't you just shut up Stacey. If you haven't got anything good
to say, just shut your mouth."
Stacey glared at Claire "Aren't
we touchy. What do you care? You want Lucas not Storm."
"Stacey, shut your fucking
mouth before I beat the shit out of your back stabbing ass."
"Who are you, the Storm
protection club? He needs protection these days, he's so pathetic. Couldn't even stand up
to Brad. Isn't Storm supposed to be some kind of tough guy? Now Marcel, he's a real
man."
Sarah glared at Stacey menacingly
"Stacey. I can make your life hell. Do you want that?"
"What do you think?"
"Then shut your fucking mouth,
before I tell everyone what a slut you really are."
"Geez, what is up with you
two?"
"You're the loser." Sarah
and Claire said both getting up and leaving Stacey behind.
"Sensitive aren't we."
Stacey said sarcastically.
Sarah and Claire both walked away
and moved down closer to the track. She spotted Storms Mom standing with a bunch of other
parents and they walked over to her. Mrs. Marcus waved to Sarah and Sarah waved back
smiling. Sarah kissed Mrs. Marcus on the cheek unabashedly.
"Hey Mrs. M." Sarah
smiled. "You here to watch the boys?"
"Sure am. I think it's just
about time for the 100-meter sprint." Mrs. Marcus replied.
"Yeah, should be any minute
now. Mrs. M, this is Claire. Claire, this is Storms Mom, Mrs. Marcus." Sarah said
introducing the two.
"Hi Mrs. Marcus." Claire
smiled warmly.
"Hi Claire. How are you
today?" Mrs. Marcus asked.
"I'm great thanks. By the way,
your son is a babe. Total babe."
Mrs. Marcus blushed proudly
"Thank you Claire. I'm sure Storm would be flattered. I know I am, I made him after
all."
Sarah and Claire both laughed at
Mrs. Marcus comment. Mrs. Marcus was very easy to get along with and she was definitely
one of the more popular parents in the school. Always turning up at these kinds of events.
"Ok here they go, its just
about time." Sarah said.
Sarah put her sunglasses on and
looked down towards the start line. She could see Storm and Marcel there getting ready to
start along with representatives from numerous other schools. She breathed nervously,
waiting for the race to start.
Marcel stepped onto the track,
confident as ever. He wanted to win and he knew he would. He looked up his competition,
he, Storm and Cody the only Merlow representatives in this event. He smiled at Storm and
Storm feigned a little smile. As much as Marcel loved winning, he didn't really like doing
it if it meant he had to beat his friends. Marcel readied himself, as did the rest of the
runners. He breathed in deeply, wiping the sweat off his brow. Time seemed to go into slow
motion, the call from the announcer seemingly an eternity away.
"On your marks.
Set...GO!!"
Marcel shot off the mark right on
time. His body in perfect sync with his mind. His arms and legs powering forward in
perfect motion. He had already taken the lead, he didn't even have to look either side to
know he was winning. Sensing a challenge to his lead, he let loose all he had and sped
ahead of the pack. Leaving all the competition in the dust.
"WOO HOO MARCEL!" Sarah
yelled clapping.
Marcel managed to throw a wink and a
smile to the cheering Merlow contingent as he stepped over the finish line. Marcel did his
traditional wave to the crowd, strip off the shirt pose for the crowd.
"Great win Babe." Sarah
said walking up behind Marcel. "Id give you a hug but youre all sweaty
and smelly."
"Thats cool Sarah. Thanks
for the support."
"It wasnt just for you.
It was for you and Storm. And that Cody fella youre so fond of these days. I knew
you were going to win because you are the best. No use trying to hide that fact."
"Its scary when you
compliment me Sarah. You feeling ok?"
"Oh shut the fuck up.
Dont go there with that I dont support you shit unless you want me to open up
a can of whoop ass on ya. And dont knock me, you know how much I love Stone
Cold."
"Ok ok. Come on, dont I
get at least ONE hug? Pretty please?"
"Ok then you big woman
you." Sarah said as she wrapped her arms around Marcels neck and stepped closer to
hug him.
Marcel grabbed her close and hugged
her, Sarah patting him on the back. "Thanks Mate."
"Have you spoken to
Storm?"
"No I havent. Maybe
hes just gone to see the timekeeper."
"I cant see him."
Sarah said looking around. "You know Mrs. M is here."
"Where is she?" Marcel
asked anxiously.
"Uhh over there." Sarah
said pointing to an area in the crowd. "You better hurry if you want to catch her
because she has to go back to work soon."
"Ill go over now."
Marcel said turning to head over.
"Marcel!!" Stacey yelled
running after Marcel. "You were GREAT!!" She said kissing Marcel on the cheek
and hugging him.
Marcel looked over at Sarah rolling
his eyes as Stacey mauled him with her wandering hands. "Uhh thanks Stacey."
"Stacey stop drooling."
Claire said stepping next to Sarah.
Stacey hung off Marcel like some awe
struck fan. She glared at Claire and Claire winked back at her. No love lost between these
two. "I have to go. Ill see you later."
"Oh ok. Is that a promise
stud?" Stacey said.
"Uuuh I guess. Bye."
Marcel said waving to Sarah and heading off to talk to Mrs. Marcus.
"Poor Marcel. Hes going
to have to buy some bug repellent." Claire whispered to Sarah.
Sarah tried to stifle the unexpected
laugh that Claires comment had conjured. Sarah was beginning to like Claire the more
and more time they spent together. "Lets go before she stops drooling and tries
to tag along." Sarah whispered.
Claire and Sarah once again left
Stacey by herself, Stacey oblivious to their absence. Her concentration focused on
Marcels figure as it walked away. The sweat glistening off his skin in the glaring
sun. She watched on as his back and shoulders muscles flexed. A show just for her she
thought. One day Marcel would be hers, she knew it. Little did she know, she wasnt
the only person admiring the show.
Sarah and Claire mingled through the
supporters, none of them really knowing anyone. There was a fairly big Merlow support
crowd here for the big meet, mostly people who wanted to skip school to be here. But apart
from them Sarah and Claire knew few people here since they were all from other schools.
They walked through the crowd and made their way towards the refreshment area where all
the food and drinks were for sale. "What do you want Sarah? Im paying."
"Uhh NO. I can pay for myself.
In fact Im going to pay for you so what do YOU want?"
"Oh. Ahh well Ill just
have a chicken salad sandwich please. And a Bottled Water."
"You been hanging out with
Storm? Those are his absolute favs."
"Really? You know a lot about
him."
"Him and I grew up together. In
fact until a few months before you got here me and him were going out. He was my childhood
sweetheart since pre-school."
"Really? Wow, I just thought
you were good friends. So whats he really like?"
"The sweetest guy youll
meet. Its weird thinking about him in that way because its been so long. I
miss that he and I arent as close anymore. Weve been drifting apart
lately." Sarah sighed. "You should get to know him. Hes a great guy to
have as a friend."
"What about if I want more than
that
"
"I wont lie. You
dont have a chance. Hes sorta taken. Not going out with anyone right now
but
hes taken. Good luck though. I thought you liked Lucas?"
"I do. I like him a lot. Damn
that guy is so sweet. And have you seen his eyes? And those lips. And that body."
Claire said trying to cool herself down. "But Lucas wont budge. He said girls
are a drag and he just wants to hang with his friends. But he wants to be friends with me
so Im happy. He is such a nice guy."
"Yup." Sarah said paying
the attendant and taking their food.
"So thats why Im
keeping my options open. And I tell ya Storm. Oh boy. Hes sorta the opposite to
Lucas though. Lucas is nice and sweet and friendly. Storm is cool and sorta introverted I
noticed too. He seems pretty popular as well. But he doesnt seem to give a damn if
people like him and I like that. And hes got a killer smile. And a great kisser. I
KISSED HIM!!! Ive kissed him before!! Calm down Claire. And Ive run my fingers
up and down his chest and those abs and let me tell you girly that is one fucking fine
bod." Claire said getting a little excited.
"I know. Ive tried it
too." Sarah said smiling.
They sat down at a table and started
to eat their lunch. Sarah had bought herself a Chicken sandwich and a bottled water just
like Claire. Claire was about to take a bite out of her sandwich when she suddenly
realized something. "Do you know, all of your guy friends are like total babes? I
mean theres Marcel, Storm, Lucas and Mike. Id take anyone of those guys.
Youre so lucky youve got an inside advantage."
"Yeah I know. And they all know
it too. Lucas is the only really modest one but as you know hes one of the more
sexier ones. Mike is pretty laid back about looks but youve seen his body so you
know I aint missing nothing." Sarah smiled. "Marcel, now he is one cocky shit.
Hes great looking and he knows it. As for Storm. Hes like Mike. He
doesnt focus on looks but he still likes to look good. Or maybe its just
natural. I dunno. But definitely yes, they are all babes."
"So Sarah
whos this
person that Storm is sorta taken by? Anyone I know?"
Sarah wondered how the hell
shed get out of this one. It wasnt exactly her place to spill about Lucas and
Storm being together. Even though they werent actually going out right now. Sarah
still believed theyd get back together. But how does she handle Claire. A question
in response to a question! "Why do you want to know? Do you want Storm?"
"Yeah. I wouldnt mind
trying. Even just a date. Me and him had a bit of a bumpy start when we first met but I
think weve sorted everything out since then."
"There isnt anyone else
you like? Apart from Storm?"
"Well Lucas first. But
hes not an option. Storm is my best choice right now. He and Lucas are sorta even. I
dont like Marcel that way. His Cody friend is ok."
"What about Brad?" Sarah
teased.
"You mean Brad the Beast? Puh
lease. That guy is just ugh yuck. He is such a creep."
"Oh well. I hate myself for
saying this. But you have till Friday to ask Storm out on a date. Im telling you he
will say no. But any chance you have at all will be between now and Friday. Because his
other half will claim him back I bet this weekend."
"Thanks Sarah."
"Dont thank me. Storm is
going to kill me."
"Did you and Storm used to do
Karate together as well? I noticed when I was at your house that you had some old trophies
and medals. Is that why youre such a tough chick?"
"Maybe. I used to take Karate
with Storm but my parents pulled me out. Said it would only feed my violent
tendencies." Sarah said laughing. "I had two big brothers that needed constant
ass kicking. But theyve all moved out of home now. Ive been thinking about
taking it back up. In fact I might have a talk to Storm about it later on."
"I would love to do that. Maybe
Storm could teach us?"
"Well
he could. If you ask
him nicely he might. He might get in trouble for it from his sensei though. Im not
sure if hes at the level where hes allowed to do that. He could definitely
teach you a few things. If youre serious you could join his dojo."
"Karate. Are you going to take
it back up for sure?"
"Yeah. I think I will."
"Mind if I join up with
you?"
"Sure! That would be great. Ok
well Ill go down to the Dojo after we get back to Merlow. You wanna come with me
then?"
"Definitely. Im in."
"Cool."
"This way I can get closer to
Storm." Claire smiled.
"I hope thats not the
only reason."
"I think it would be good for
me. Self Defense is something you need today. So itll be good."
"Thats good."
Sarah and Claire sat there eating
their lunch. Chit chatting about school, boys and the like. The more they talked, the more
they got along better. Sarah still had a bit of adjusting to do to get used to being
around girls so much. She was so used to the guys, she liked them better. But Claire
seemed a bit more bearable than most of the ditzy girls Merlow had to offer.
* * * * * * *
I stepped up to the mark on my spot
of the field. I was third runner before Marcel in the 4 * 100m relay. I felt pretty
pleased with myself for taking out the second place in the 100 meter sprints. Beating Cody
out even. I waited nervously for the signal to go off signaling that the race had begun.
Carl Bentley was our first runner, followed by Cody then me and then Marcel to seal our
victory. There was no way in hell anyone was going to beat Marcel unless we screwed up.
BANG! The race had begun. I watched
as Carl shot off the mark, steadily keeping up with his opponents. I readied myself in
position for when the baton would be handed over to me. I watched as Cody began his
advance and when the baton was in his hand he let loose and attempted to make some ground
for us. Unfortunately he wasnt doing a good job of it. I focused my attention on the
track, zoning out the noise of the crowd and any other distraction. As Cody made his
approach I began making the first few steps forward. When I felt the baton touch my hand I
clasped it tightly and drove myself forward. Using the baton as if it were some kind of
super charging battery I powered myself forward. Driving my arms and legs in a seamless
motion towards Marcel. I could sense that I was not in the lead and pulled out every last
ounce of fire I had in me to gain that little advantage that could get us the victory. As
Marcel took the baton instinctively he fixed his body into his trademark Marcel speed
demon sprint and shot away. I slowed myself to a jog and bent over panting as I saw Marcel
cross the finish line just in front of the nearest competition. That was too close, but we
still won it.
I walked over to where Cody and Carl
were already sitting on the grass. I dragged myself next to them and flopped to the ground
in a heap. "We won." I gasped.
"Yeah. Im not surprised.
Marcel won it for us. The three of us just held it together." Cody said exhausted.
Carl sat himself up and wiped the
sweat off his brow. "Maybe we can clone him for next years meet. He gets all the
glory anyway. Look at those Babes drooling over him. Why cant we have some of
those."
"Because we suck. Cody you
sucked the most though. I had to carry your fucking ass and make up for the ground you
couldnt hold. So dont give me any of that held it together
bullshit. Were you daydreaming or something?" I said turning over and lying on my
back.
"Fuck you Storm."
"No thanks, not right now. Slow
shit."
"Fucking idiot. Youre
such a loser Storm."
"Is that right? Hows your
blow up doll these days?"
"Whats with you
two?" Carl asked anxiously.
"Hey guys whats going
on?" Marcel asked sitting down next to us.
"Nothing. I was just
leaving." I said getting up and walking off.
"Yeah fuck off." Cody
yelled after me.
Ok. Thats it. I turned around
and walked back. I yanked Cody to his feet and got right in his face. "Do you have a
fucking problem?"
"No man, sorry. Just lemme go.
Im sorry."
"Storm let him go." I
heard Marcel say behind me.
I let Cody go and turned around
slowly. "Or what?" I said glaring at Marcel.
"You know what."
"Really? Well you look after
your little friend here. I dont want to aggravate you any further so Ill leave
you to it." I said storming off.
I walked all the way off the field
and towards the changing rooms allotted for Merlow. I got to the changing rooms and pulled
my bag out and threw it against the wall in rage. I started kicking the wall and slamming
it in an effort to let all my rage out. I packed up my bag and walked out, heading to
nowhere certain.
"What the fuck is your problem
Storm?" Marcel said standing in front of me.
"What the hell do you care? Oh
thats right. You want to kick my ass, dont you?" I said trying to move
past him, but he wouldnt budge.
Marcel mustnt have liked that
because he slammed me up against the wall and pinned me there. I looked him straight in
the eyes, his were filled with anger. Id never seen Marcel like this before, did he
hate me this much now? "Do it then! Go on. Hit me. Finish me off. I know youve
wanted to for five years, heres your chance. Hit me Marcel." I yelled taunting
him.
"Fuck you." Marcel scowled
letting me go and walking off.
I couldnt believe what had
just happened. I picked my bag up and staggered towards the bench. I sat down on it
shivering and shaking in shock. I took a few deep breaths to try and steady myself.
"I havent finished with
you yet." Marcel said storming back in.
I picked up my bag and tried to walk
out the door but Marcel slammed it shut and grabbed me again. I looked at him and gulped
in fear. I knew I was shaking but I was trying to hide it. I was scared because Id
never seen Marcel this mad before. I was too paralyzed to say anything. I was just going
to let him beat the shit out of me and be done with it. I was getting good at taking beat
downs, why stop now?
"Fuck you Storm."
"Shut up! I hate you!"
"Fuck you!"
"Just fucking kick my ass
already."
"FUCK YOU!"
"I
HATE
YOU!!"
"WHY?" Marcel screamed in
rage, as he punched a hole in the wall next to me. "Why do you hate me?? What did I
do??"
"You changed. You left me
hanging and you humiliated me. I
hate
you. So go on, say it again."
"I cant believe you hate
me."
"It doesnt help when you
go slamming me around like some tackle bag. Lets just stay out of each others
way. Make the world a better place."
Marcel let me go and sat down on the
bench, his face confused and angry. "Things have changed. But I never thought you
could ever hate me."
"Next time you push me.
Im gonna push you back." I said opening the door. "Until then, lets
just stay out of each others way."
"Dont you dare leave.
Shut the damn door and sit down next to me." Marcel said forcefully.
"Fuck you."
* * * * * * *
"Is everything cool
Marcel?" Cody yelled running after Marcel.
"Fuck Off."
"Ok. Ok man. Ill just let
you chill ok. Well talk later. Dont worry about Storm though, hes a fuck
up. He gets what he deserves."
Marcel turned on the spot and
grabbed Cody by the collar. "I dont know what your problem is with Storm but
next time you two get into something Im going to let him finish you off. Do you
understand me? You can fight your own fights."
"Ok man. I wasnt worried
about him anyway hes nothing. I can take him out, did it once I can do it
again."
"What are you talking about?
Did it once? Storm would wipe the floor with you. You couldnt kick shit if it landed
at your feet."
"Yeah well he didnt wipe
the floor with me last Friday. We kicked his ass good and proper. You should have given
him another ass kicking."
Marcel got a confused look on his
face, not knowing what Cody was talking about. He didnt have a clue what Cody was
getting at, Marcel just thought Cody was telling bullshit. "I dont have time
for your bullshit. Now fuck off and leave me alone."
"Whatever man. Im telling
you, Storm is a pussy shit. Im so glad you dont hang out with that loser
anymore."
"Yeah, instead I get to hang
out with losers like you huh? Now which part of fuck off didnt you understand."
Marcel said walking away.
"Ill talk to you later
man!" Cody yelled from behind.
Marcel walked to the refreshment
area to buy himself a drink. The day was hot and sweat glistened off Marcels brow. Thank
goodness he had finished all his events for the day. He was still infuriated with Storm,
he found him so aggravating sometimes. But Marcel still couldnt believe Storm hated
him, what had he done to make Storm hate him? "Evian please." Marcel said to the
attendant, handing over some money.
Marcel drunk down a massive gulp,
polishing off half the bottle in one long guzzle. He wiped the sweat off his brow and put
the cold bottle to his face to try and cool himself down. "What a day." Marcel
mumbled to himself.
"Id say it was pretty
good."
"Huh? Who are you?" Marcel
said looking at the person who stood before him. A guy who looked to be about the same age
as Marcel if not perhaps slightly older. Just a bit shorter than Marcel, with a tanned
olive complexion, Brown hair and big brown eyes. Definitely an athletic build. Obviously a
track runner from another school.
"My names Jacob. I ran
against you today. Youre really good." Jacob said.
"Thanks."
Jacob smiled at Marcel. "So
youre from Merlow huh. Arent you guys ever going to let another school win? I
mean we nearly beat you in the 4*100 but you really kicked butt in the singles. You plan
on working towards the district champs? Im pretty sure youd take it out no
sweat. Maybe you could even go onto the nationals with your times."
Marcel smiled proudly, compliments
are the food of the ego. And Marcel loved feeding it. Marcel knew how good he was but it
was always a buzz having someone else tell you how good you are. Marcel tried to not look
so pleased with himself and play it down but he wasnt being very successful.
"Thanks again. But dont compliment me too much I might get a bigger ego than
the one I already have. Yeah Ive thought about that. Im not sure yet whether
this is something I want to pursue that far. Ive been thinking about becoming a
tri-athlete because I find that a lot of fun. Im pretty good at swimming, running
and cycling so I might take that up. I dont get too far ahead of myself, Im
not sure Im THAT good yet."
"You know what they say?
Modesty is for people who have nothing to brag about. And you my friend have plenty to
brag about."
Marcel blushed, he had no idea why
this total stranger had just decided to come and boost his ego. "So is there a reason
for this compliment overflow?"
"Im just telling it like
it is. I think youre pretty awesome. Youre pretty cute too."
Aye? What was going on here? Marcel
nearly choked on his water when Jacob said that. He was used to that from girls but not
from the guys. "Umm thanks. Uhhh are you hitting on me?" Marcel replied
nervously.
"That depends, would it bother
you if I was?"
"Not really."
"Then I am. You wont get
anywhere not trying."
"Ive never been hit on by
a guy before. Girls yeah but guys no. This is weird."
"You know some people
dont believe in that whole
" Jacob leant in to Marcels ear and whispered.
" gaydar thing. And to tell you the truth, neither do I. But I wanted to at least
give it a try. And come on, admit it. If you were me, youd want to try right?"
Marcel blushed even more, this guy
was hitting all the right buttons. "Im still trying to absorb all of this.
Youre hitting on me. Youre a guy. And youre hitting on me. And
youre a babe, and youre hitting all the right buttons. Hmm, must be Christmas
or something." Marcel felt himself get overwhelmed with butterflies, hed never
had this feeling before. It was all so new to him. "Ok. You wanna go out on a
date?"
"Hell yeah. Tonight too
soon?"
"Hell no." Marcel smiled
back. "So where are we gonna go?"
"Uhh well
theres
this great rage theyre having down at the bowl tonight. We could go there. Or we
could go to the movies or something. I dont really mind where we go."
"This is weird. This is too
weird. Are you catching your guys bus back to your school? Or have you got a car?"
"Well I wish I could say I have
a car but I dont. So yeah, its the bus." Jacob said raising his eyebrows
in mock shame.
"I have an idea but we just met
so Ill understand if you dont want to. But you could come back with me to my
place and we could hang out there for a bit. I mean weve both finished here for the
day, nothing keeping us here."
"Sounds cool to me. Ive
actually been to your house before but I dont think youll remember. A party a
few months ago. My sister invited me. We didnt spend much time together though
because she was off getting herself some babes. So I ended up going home pretty
early."
"Oh, thats cool. Im
sorry I dont remember seeing you."
"Thats ok, it was a
pretty packed house. You sure know how to throw a party."
"Thanks. I wanted
to
" Marcel began saying but he was interrupted.
"Hey what are you two talking
about?" Claire asked walking up to Marcel and Jacob. "Hey Bro." She said
kissing Jacob on the cheek. "Hey Marcel."
Marcel stared at Claire, wide eyed
and in shock. He just looked at Claire, gulping. "Holy shit." Marcel gasped.
"You two are brother and sister?"
"Yeah, twins. Not identical
though. Our parents split up and Claire went with Dad to live in Merlow but I stayed
behind to look after Mom. Thats why I dont go to your school."
"Uuuhh I have to go."
Marcel said in a panic. "Sarah!! Sarah wait!!" Marcel yelled running after
Sarah.
"Whats his hurry?"
Claire said confused, watching Marcel run off. "Oh my god
you were hitting on
him. And he
no not Marcel. Oh my god."
"Uh oh. This isnt
good." Jacob said in worry.
"Oh
my
god." Was
all Claire could say. "I never would have guessed."
"Be cool sis." Jacob said
blankly watching Marcel disappear from sight.
"Dont worry. Im not
going to do anything to hurt him. Im just surprised. That guy is like a chick
magnet. Who would have guessed?"
"Not you obviously."
"I wonder if Sarah knows?
Ill go talk to him later. Last thing I want is for him to start freaking out. Have I
ruined your chances Bro?"
"Wouldnt surprise
me."
"Well see."
"Yeah."
* * * * * * *
Mike and Lucas both lay back on
their beds talking. They were tired after a long day of drills and exercises. It was
Wednesday today and there was only one more full day before they went back to Merlow on
Friday morning.
Lucas was worried about Storm.
Something didn't feel right. Lucas remembered his conversation with Josh and wondered if
Mike knew anything about it. "You know Josh was saying something before about Storm
being beaten up. You know what's he talking about Mike?"
"uhh no man. Don't know
anything." Mike tried to say passively
Lucas looked at Mike, knowing
something was up straightaway "Ok tell me what happened?"
"Nothing Lucas. Just go to
sleep."
Lucas became worried and his mind
flashed back to the last time he saw Storm "That's it. I thought he was sick. But it
wasn't that was it. What happened Mike?"
"Leave it alone, Lucas."
"Mike. You have to tell me,
what happened to Storm?"
"You don't need to know. He
wouldn't want you to know."
"Mike, Storm may have dumped me
but I sure as hell didn't dump him. I still love him, I can't change that. Now something
is going on here. I want to know what? You have to tell me. Please Mike. You know how much
I love him."
"Ok. Ok. Last Friday, when
Storm walked off. Well I thought you, Storm and Marcel were all together because you
weren't in class. But you weren't, Storm was by himself. And while he was by himself, he
got jumped. He got the shit kicked out of him Lucas. I've never seen him so fucked up
before."
"What?" Lucas gasped
unbelievingly. "But I saw him, I stayed there on Friday night. When I woke up in the
morning he was...oh shit. I thought he was just under the weather. Why didn't he say
anything to me?"
"Too proud. I only found out
because I was there when he stumbled in. He was beaten, shaking. They worked him over good
and proper. But he doesn't know, or he's not telling who did it. Apparently, they jumped
him from behind."
"I can't believe it. It's no
wonder he was a wreck. My poor baby. What's he going through? I can't believe it, I should
have been there for him. He's been going through hell. Oh man, I feel so bad. My poor
baby. I should have been there for him. This is all my fault." Lucas said distraught.
"He'll be ok. He's
strong."
"I have to go. I have to go to
him right now. I have to leave. He needs me." Lucas said anxiously. He started to
shake and brushed his hand through his hair to try and calm himself. Lucas took a few deep
breaths, closing his eyes and trying not to kick himself for missing that Storm was hurt.
"Lucas, let go. He will deal
with this himself."
"This is my fault. This is all
my fault. If I hadn't gotten him angry, he wouldn't have left. Then he'd be ok now. And
we'd be together and he wouldn't have had to go through that. Oh man, what have I
done?"
"Blaming yourself, won't change
what happened. I want to be there as much as you, but we're here. There's nothing we can
do. I'm sure he's just fine..."
"Mike. I want to go back now. I
want to be with him. Please Mike, will you help me go back to him?" Lucas pleaded.
"No." Mike said firmly.
"You're staying right here. Storm can handle himself. He's not weak you know, just
really stupid sometimes."
"I have to be with him Mike. I
can't handle it anymore. I have to be with him now." Lucas pleaded. Lucas heart was
tearing him up inside. He wanted to be with Storm more than anything right now. Before,
Lucas was angry at Storm for giving up so easy. Now Lucas just wanted to put that all
aside and just be with Storm. He knew Storm loved him, but Storm just wasn't handling
everything. Lucas became very distraught and he started weeping gently with his face in
his hands.
Mike got up and sat next to Lucas,
putting his arm around him. "Buddy. You can't do anything right now. There's nothing
you can do. You have to let go."
"I can't let go Mike. I don't
want to. And I just can't. I know he needs me, I can feel it." Lucas said filled with
distress. "Mike. I need to be with him now. I can't bear this anymore. I'm going. I'm
going back right now. Even if I have to walk or get kicked off the team." Lucas said
defiantly.
"Lucas, get a grip! I know
you're worried about Storm, but he'll be ok. He'll be ok."
"NO! I'm going." Lucas
said standing up and grabbing his bag.
Mike stood up, blocking Lucas' way.
Mike put his hands on Lucas shoulder to try and calm him down. "Lucas. Calm down.
You're being ridiculous. You can't go anywhere."
Lucas pushed Mike out of his way and
headed for the door. Mike grabbed Lucas from behind and flipped him around, he pushed him
up against the door and put his forearm against Lucas throat. "YOU'RE NOT GOING
ANYWHERE!!" Mike shouted forcefully.
Lucas looked at Mike in shock, his
eyes filled with hurt and sadness. Mike stared down Lucas determined and steadfast. Lucas'
spirit fell to the very pit of his being. And he gave up. "Fine."
Mike released his grip on Lucas and
looked at Lucas regretful of his harsh use of force. Lucas threw his bag down angrily sat
back down on his bunk, not saying anything to Mike. He pulled off his shirt and got
himself ready for bed. Mike sat down on his own bunk, hoping for Lucas to say something.
Mike felt bad for being so rough with Lucas. "Lucas, I'm sorry."
"Shut up. Leave me alone. I
don't want to talk to you." Lucas said turning himself over and away from Mike.
"Come on, Lucas. I thought it
was the only way to make you stay."
Lucas sat back up, he was angry and
infuriated. "Do I have a sign on my head that says push Lucas around? Do I? You,
Storm and Marcel all seem to be able to see it. I'm sick of people pushing me around. I
thought you were different. I'm not some piece of shit everyone can push around."
Lucas said pulling the covers over him and turning away from Mike again. "I don't
ever want to talk to you again Mike. We're not friends anymore. I let too many people push
me around already, I don't have to put up with it from you too."
Mike sat there agape at how things
were turning out. He couldn't believe it was happening. "Lucas, you can't mean
that."
"I mean it. I'm not talking to
you again Mike. So don't even bother. I'm sick of everyone. Just leave me alone."
Mike didn't know what to say, he was
in too much shock. He didn't know what he could say to make Lucas feel better. But he knew
Lucas was sure of himself. Mike lay back on his bed and hoped Lucas would feel better in
the morning. Mike switched off the light and lay there thinking in the dark. "Please
forgive me. You're my best friend. I love you and I'm sorry." Mike said hoping for a
reaction. It didn't come.
Mike got out of bed and ran to
Lucas' side, sitting himself down on the floor next to Lucas bed. Lucas eyes were open and
he watched Mike, not saying anything. "I'm going to sit here all night until you
forgive me."
"Shoulda brought your blanket.
It'll be cold down there." Lucas replied harshly.
Mike began crying as he sat. He
didn't move but sat there sobbing profusely. He kept wiping his eyes with his arms and
hands. Lucas jumped out of bed and sat on the cold floor next to Mike. Lucas put his arm
around Mike and rubbed it soothingly. "It's ok, It's ok. I forgive you. Don't
cry."
Mike stopped crying and raised his
head, grinning wildly at Lucas. Lucas knew he had just been duped by Mike. Lucas punched
Mike in the arm hard and Mike reeled back in pain, rolling on the floor. "Ow you
fucker. You just forgave me and you hit me, I think we're even aren't we Lucas." Mike
said smiling and laughing.
"You prick Mike. You tricked
me."
Mike sat back up and wrapped his
arms around Lucas' arms and body, trapping him. He leaned his head into Lucas' side,
shaking Lucas. "Ahh but you forgive me!"
Lucas couldn't help smiling, Mike
knew how to push all the right buttons. "I forgive you, just don't do it again."
Mike loosened his grip a little and
rested his head on Lucas' shoulder. "I promise I won't ever hurt you again. I must be
getting soft hanging around with all you guy lovers."
"No, you were already a big
softie when I first met you. You just did a better job of hiding it. I wouldn't hang out
with you if you weren't."
Lucas looked at Mike, both smiling
in the dark. Mikes chin rested on Lucas' shoulder, inches from Lucas' own in the dark.
Lucas was starting to feel uncomfortable with the way Mike was holding him, it was almost
as if Lucas were sitting in Mike's lap. Mikes arms still wrapped around Lucas, Mike's left
hand resting teasingly on Lucas' abs. And the right hand holding Lucas' lower back. Mikes
legs under Lucas' own as they sat in the dark, their bare feet touching tentatively.
Mike marveled at how the moonlight
shone off Lucas' face, a beauty that Mike hadn't noticed before. The Moon exposing Lucas'
chest, revealing his smooth skin and build. Mike put his hand up to Lucas' face and
brushed his fingers down it slowly. Lucas gulped and said nothing, unsure of how to react.
"I've never noticed how
beautiful you are Lucas. You have such beautiful skin." Mike said unabashedly.
"Mike, what are you
doing?" Lucas asked nervously.
Mike leaned forward, his lips barely
touching Lucas's. "I'm trying to seduce you."
"Why?"
"Because I want to know what
it's like to be with a guy. Just once. And I can't think of anyone else I'd rather find
out with. Please."
"I...I can't Mike. What about
Sarah? And I still love Storm."
"You...You're right. I'm
sorry." Mike said beginning to cry. He pulled away from Lucas and ran to his bed,
sitting and leaning against the wall sobbing quietly to himself.
Lucas shook his head, unbelieving of
what had just happened. But he knew Mike was crying for real this time. And he'd never
seen Mike cry before, ever. Lucas knew something must have really been bothering him. He
hopped off the floor, his feet gliding across as he rushed to Mike's side. "Mike.
Talk to me. What's going on?"
Mike shook his head in response,
Mike not wanting to talk. His face was racked with tears but he made no sound save for a
few gentle sobs. Lucas didn't know what to think, or do, or say. He sat himself up and
leaned against the wall, pulling Mike closer to him. Lucas held Mike, resting Mikes head
on his chest and stroking him gently. "Mike. You can trust me. I'm your friend. I
promise I won't tell anyone any of what you say to me tonight. Not even Storm."
Mike held onto Lucas, feeling safe
and warm. His tears subsiding gently. "I...I have to tell you something. But I'm not
even sure of it myself."
"It's ok Dude, go on..."
Lucas said soothingly.
Mike took a few deep breaths and
wiped some of the tears off his face. "You know Sarah and I did it. But...I've...had
these thoughts lately. And I don't like them. I want them to go away."
"You've been thinking about
guys?"
"Not often. Just like when I'm
really horny sometimes. I mean, no offence Lucas. I love you and Storm and Marcel and who
you are. But I don't want to be like you. I love Sarah, so much. She's my whole world. I
don't like having these thoughts. I don't know what to do. I want to get rid of
them."
Lucas absorbed everything Mike said
and took a few deep breaths "Mike. That's just being horny man. It's like primal
attraction. I believe everyone has it to some degree. I know people say you can't tell a
gay person from a straight person. But I really believe with you, you're straight."
"How do you know I'm not some
big fag...sorry, you know what I mean. It's because I'm too ugly to be gay right? Please
say yes."
"I'm sorry, but you're not
ugly. You're beautiful man. I think you're confused right now. I think being with us has
opened your mind a lot more but you're thinking just because you hang with us you have to
be like us. I've told you before and I'll tell you again, it doesn't work like that."
"So I'm straight? Really really
straight?"
"Mike, let me ask you some
questions. Sit up. I'm good at this don't worry. And I'm really proud that you're opening
up to me Mike. I promise you nothing you say to me will ever leave these lips."
"I trust you Lucas."
Lucas and Mike sat cross legged on
Mike's bunk, directly opposite each other. Lucas reached out both his hands and grabbed
Mikes, holding them tightly in his own. The moon shining through the window their only
light. The night was cool, and not particularly warm right now. Mike took a few deep
breaths and readied himself for Lucas' questions. "I know me and you have talked
about this before, but I'm gonna go a little deeper this time dude. I want you to answer
honestly. First question: Do you think you could ever be in a relationship with a
guy?"
Mike closed his eyes, grimacing at
the question. "No. I don't think I could. And the more I think about it, the more the
idea just doesn't agree with me."
Lucas nodded in response "Good.
Well..." Lucas began saying but he was interrupted by Mike.
"But." Mike interrupted.
"Uhh I think I could be with a guy if it were you or Marcel. But not Storm, that's
too creepy. And only because I know you two and because you know I love you."
"Whoa Mike. Ok so when you have
these thoughts, is it purely sexual? Or is it in the way that you think of Sarah, as a
partner?"
"Lucas, no one can compare to
Sarah. That's why having these thoughts kills me. She's my whole world. You know, she
looks at me. And every time she does, she peers into my soul man. She knows me. She
accepts me. And she loves me for me. I mean, I'm not rich. I'm not that clever. I've got
lots of baggage and problems. But still she loves me. Yeah...I love her." Mike
smiled.
"You're just confused. That's
all. You've just like taken a massive step with Sarah. And it scares you. You don't think
you're ready for that much yet are you? You still want to grow with her a bit more don't
you?"
"Fuck. You're good. You're
better than good. You're fucking awesome. Storm is such a fuck up for letting you
go."
"Heh. Thanks. Now shut up and
don't change the subject. I bet you can count the number of times you've thought about a
guy, on one hand. Is that right?"
"Yeah. Once or twice."
"Geez, why the hell are we even
having this conversation. Mike, I've told you once and I'll tell you again. You don't like
guys that way, so stop trying to be like me man. You're trying to be like the rest of us.
BUT YOU'RE NOT!! I mean, at best you're like bi 5% to the guys and a whopping 95% for the
girls."
"LUCAS! Where did you get your
fucking psychologist degree? You're scaring me with your rightness man. You're like making
everything obvious for me to see, so I can deal with it and understand."
"It's cool man. That's what
friends are for."
"This is the second time you've
helped me like this. I think I could be with a guy. But I wouldn't enjoy it. And that's
pretty much what it comes down to. I'm still straight, that's a relief." Mike said
relieved. "Lucas, you are so loveable you know that? I'm telling you, if I were gay
I'd want you so bad. You rule man."
Lucas nodded at Mike and smiled.
"I think that's you sorted out...again. And if this happens again Mike, I'm going to
make you kiss a guy at least. And no it won't be me."
"Oh man, but I really want
to?" Mike laughed.
"Ok well I'm going to bed now.
Glad you're feeling a lot better." Lucas smiled as he went to hop off Mikes bed.
"Not yet." Mike said not
letting go of Lucas' hands. Mike pulled Lucas back down to sit. Lucas looked at Mike
oddly, unsure of what Mike wanted. "Lucas, I still want to kiss you. But not
sexually. Just a peck on the lips to show how much I appreciate you."
"Not as anything apart from
friends?"
"I promise."
"Uuuuuhh ok." Lucas said
nervously.
Mike leaned in slowly, as did Lucas.
Lucas hesitated, nervous and uncertain. Mike took the initiative and kissed Lucas gently
on the lips. The first time he had ever kissed a guy. Except it wasn't sexual, sensual
maybe but not sexual. Lucas responded by pressing his lips against Mikes tenderly feeling
awkward at first but feeling Mikes true intentions Lucas loosened up. Mike pressed against
Lucas lips, tasting them in one brief moment. Both of them pulled back slowly and smiled
at each other. "That wasn't too bad." Mike said. "Storm's right, you do
taste like strawberries."
"Storm said that?"
"Yup." Mike replied.
"Anyway, you know there wasn't anything behind that kiss except that I really love
you Lucas. You're my best friend you know. My very best friend."
"What about Storm?" Lucas
asked.
"Storm isn't my best friend.
We're not as close as we used to be but we're actually closer. That doesn't make any
sense. We both decided to each other that we're brothers. And from now on we'd actually
acknowledge each other as brothers instead of just thinking it."
"Umm Mike. I know we're going
to get into arguments now and then, but please don't put your hands on me. I promise I'll
never do that to you. It really hurts me man." Lucas said gulping.
Mike started to feel really bad
about himself. A few tears came back to him and he covered his face. He hated the fact
that he had laid his hands on Lucas because he promised he wouldn't be like his Dad and
get violent. "I don't want to be like my Dad. I try so hard to make sure I don't end
up like him. I'm so sorry Lucas. I promise I won't ever do that to you again. Will you
please forgive me? I mean, really forgive me and not just say you do."
Lucas looked Mike in the eyes,
holding Mikes face up. "I forgive you Mike. I forgive you. I think that tonight you
and I sorta solidified our friendship. I love you Mike. I can say that easily. I can only
say that to Storm, you and yeah that's about it. Oh yeah I love Storms Mom and Dade too.
They rule, oh yeah and my parents. Umm I don't know about Marcel yet, I don't think I love
him, but I'm starting to like him as a friend. And well Sarah's cool but I'm not as close
to her as Storm or Marcel. But yeah, I love you man."
"Geez I was STARTING to feel
special till you splurged out all those other names. I thought it was you and me man? What
happened." Mike sobbed sarcastically.
"Dickhead." Lucas said
rolling his eyes.
"GIMMIE A HUG MAN!!" Mike
yelled tackling Lucas. Mike hugged Lucas tight and squeezed him tight. Mike started
tickling Lucas and Lucas couldn't stop laughing out loud.
"Stop stop please!!" Lucas
begged.
Mike let go for a second "Ummm
NO!"
They rolled around on the bed, Lucas
trying to get free of Mike but he couldn't. Eventually they landed in a heap with a thud
on the floor.
"Mike, we have to get some
sleep man. I know you want me but Dude, you gotta control yourself." Lucas laughed.
"You wish strawberry lips. You
aint got tits or pussy so I don't like ya like that."
"I'm glad. Now get off
me." Lucas said pushing Mike off and jumping back into his own bed.
Mike hauled himself up and got into
his own bed. They both lay there looking out at the stars and smiling. "I feel much
better now. Thanks Mike."
"I feel much better too. Thanks
Lucas." Mike replied smiling.
Lucas yawned to himself "Love
you Mike. Goodnight Dude."
"Love you too Bro. Sweet
Dreams. And everything will work out with Storm, I promise."
"I hope so."
"Lucas, do you want me to hold
you? You can sleep with me if you want. We'll be up before anyone else so it'll be ok.
Just to keep you warm and make you feel safe. Me and Storm do that a lot. But not Marcel,
coz he always feels me up."
"Uuuhh no thank you Mike. I
know you mean well, but it's just not the same if it's not Storm." Lucas said weeping
quietly. "Oh shit. Here I go again."
Mike pulled his covers up and
motioned for Lucas to go over "Come on Bro. I'll look after you, I promise."
Mike said reassuringly.
Lucas nervously got up and hopped in
next to Mike. Lucas slipped in tentatively, not once taking his eyes off Mike. Mike pulled
Lucas close to him and held him tenderly. Lucas, hesitant at first slipped his hands
around Mike's body and held onto him tightly. Lucas nestled his head into Mike's chest and
yawned. Nothing was said, they just lay there holding each other and keeping each other
warm and safe. Mike gently stroking Lucas' hair till the both of them gently passed into
the Dreamscape.
* * * * * * *
Sarah walked into the School
cafeteria and noticed Storm sitting by himself in the corner. She figured hed had
enough time of being a jerk off and it was time he got dealt to. She walked up behind him
and noticed his head was face down on the table and he was asleep.
"Storm, wake up." Sarah
said prodding Storm.
"Go away
Im
sleepy." Storm mumbled.
"What the hell are you doing
asleep? Where the hell have you been hiding?"
"Ill do it when I get up
Mom." Storm mumbled.
Sarah sat herself down next to Storm
and pulled Storms head up. "Hey sleeping beauty. Your flys undone."
"Huh wha?" Storm mumbled
in a daze.
"What the hell is wrong with
you? You look like shit. Are you on drugs?"
"Nooo, Im just sleepy.
Let me sleep. I wanna go back to sleep." Storm mumbled flopping his head back down.
"Ok baby. You go back to sleep.
And when you wake up, Im gonna be here and well sort this out ok? Im
really worried about you."
"Ok." Storm said softly.
Storm laid his head back down on the
table, cushioned by his school bag. Sarah stroked the back of his head gently, very
concerned with his welfare. It was one thing for him to be distant, it was another for him
to be like this. He looked worn and tired definitely not his usual self. "Itll
be ok Storm, you just sleep." She said softly.
"Sarah! Sarah!" Stacey
yelled.
"What do you want?"
"Claire and Marcel are arguing
about something, theyre at the back of the sheds. I think shes trying to get
into his pants but he doesnt want her, he wants me. Thats why theyre
arguing."
"Uhh yeah ok, whatever."
"Well arent you going to
go sort it out?"
Sarah remembered what Marcel had
told her the day before about Claire and her brother Jacob, smacking herself on the head.
That must be what they were arguing about. Sarah stood up, looking down at Storms sleeping
body and then towards Stacey. Whos it gonna be? Storm or Marcel? "Im
sorry Storm." She said to his sleeping form. "Come on, show me where."
Sarah said to Stacey.
"Ok." Stacey said pulling
Sarah along.
"Ill be back Storm!"
Sarah yelled back to no response.
They made their way towards the back
of the school. When they arrived at the back shed Sarah motioned Stacey away, Stacey not
too pleased with that. Sarah stepped around the corner to a shock inducing sight.
"Marcel, are you ok?" Sarah yelled in surprise.
"Sarah!" Marcel smiled
turning to her.
"Hi Sarah." Claire smiled.
"What are you two smiling
about?"
"Claires cool with
everything. She understands and shes not going to tell anyone I dont want to.
Weve talked about everything, shes fantastic."
"Oh. Thats great."
Sarah smiled weakly.
Claire smiled at Marcel and turned
to Sarah "Yeah, I mean my brother Jacob is the same. He had the same problems Marcel
did but hes really come to terms with himself a lot."
"A huh." Sarah replied.
"Well Stacey being the worry wart that she is told me you two were arguing. I think
she blew it a bit out of proportion huh."
"Shes worried about her
baby." Claire smiled at Marcel.
"Hey! I dont like her one
bit. Even if I were straight I still wouldnt like it one bit."
"So how do you know youre
not straight." Sarah said flatly.
"I just do."
"Have you ever been with a girl
Marcel? I mean really BEEN with a girl?" Claire asked.
"Yeah."
Claire furrowed her eyebrows in
puzzlement "And nothing sparked it for you? No intimacy or anything?"
"Nope. Nobody has ever really
done it for me except
.nevermind."
"Who?"
"Yeah who? A girl?"
"No not a girl. Ive been
with a girl, you know BEEN with a girl. But Ive only ever kissed a guy."
"So how do you know guys do it
for you?"
"I just know. Its always
been guys that did it for me. I just used the girls as a mask or to try and fix myself.
After many attempts I realized, nothing was going to change."
"You shouldnt even bother
trying. You said it yourself, youre Marcel Lewis. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Yeah I know Sarah. Claire
helped me realize that too."
"Really. Anyway I better go,
people to see." Sarah said turning to leave.
Sarah left before anyone could say
anything. She felt a bit jealous and rejected, it seemed as if Claire was muscling in on
her territory. Or maybe she was just being oversensitive. Sarah was used to being the
female confidant to Marcel.
"What happened?" Stacey
asked walking up to Sarah.
"Go see for yourself. Better
hurry before they really get naked."
Stacey ran off to see what Claire
and Marcel were doing in a hurried rush. Sarah smiled to herself at Staceys demented
devotion to getting Marcel. One of her very few admirable qualities. Sarah walked back to
the cafeteria to talk to Storm but when she arrived he was already gone. "I should
have stayed with you Storm." Sarah cursed to herself as she sat down.
She looked for any sign of Storm but
she could see none and she knew once hed gone hed be hard pressed to find
again. She wallowed at the table in her anger and loneliness. She spread her hands out
across the table and pressed her head softly against it. "Get a grip Sarah." She
whispered to herself.
"Sarah."
Sarah shot her head up in surprise.
"Oh hi Claire."
"Can I sit down please?"
"Knock yourself out."
Sarah said resting her head back against the table.
Claire sat down next to Sarah and
started rubbing her back gently. "I know what it feels like."
"What what feels like?"
"Feeling alone."
"Im not alone."
"I know youre not alone.
But you still feel like it. Dont think I dont notice. When I was new here I
felt alone. Even now at times I still feel like an outsider. But you know what makes me
feel better?"
"What?"
"This." Claire said
pulling out a little tiny rock, smooth and cool. "Anytime I feel angry or alone or
sad or even happy, I put this in my hand and squeeze it tight. Just let it all flow out
into the rock. Sure its all in your head and the rock doesnt actually do
anything but it does help a little. So anytime you feel alone just put this in your hand
and hold it tight. Because Sarah I know you better than you think I do. Youre like a
rock, strong and true. Never wavering or faltering, always constant and reliable.
Dependable. Solid. I want you to have this."
Sarah took the rock and held it in
her hand, still warm from being squeezed tightly in Claires hand. "Thank you."
"Thats what friends are
for right?"
"Yeah, thats right."
Sarah smiled.
"Im not trying to take
your place. I just didnt want Marcel feeling uncomfortable or worrying about me
knowing he was like my brother."
Sarahs respect for Claire just
increased ten fold. "I know. I guess Im just not used to sharing Marcel.
Ive always been the one he came to. The only girl for him as they would
say. But what you did was really awesome. Thank you for doing that."
"No thanks necessary."
"I like you. Youre a
keeper. But no matter what, please do not get with Brad. He is such a freak."
"Oh please, I thought I was a
bit more classy than that. Im going straight to the top baby. It seems either all
the guys are taken or theyre gay. Speaking of which, wheres Storm?"
"I dont know. He was just
here. But I dont know where he went."
"The more I think about him,
the more I like him. But hes so hard to track down."
"Hes avoiding the world
at the moment. Marriage problems I think."
"Everyones taken. Will I
ever get someone? And I dont just mean anyone. I may be single but Im not
desperate."
"Claire, youre beautiful.
Youll get your man."
"I know. Sucks waiting for one
to fall from the sky though." Claire sighed as she leaned her head down on the table
next to Sarahs.
"Do you want your rock back
now?" Sarah smiled.
"Ill need that rock back
when I get desperate enough to start thinking Brad is a catch. I will never ever get with
him."
* * * * * * *
"Stay away from Claire,
Sheridan. She's mine." Brad taunted as he stepped back up and gripped the tackle bag
again.
"She wouldn't get with you if
you were the last dog on the planet." Lucas said jogging away.
Brad got caught off guard by Lucas'
last statement and Josh nailed him next. Brad looked at Josh surprised and Josh shrugged,
smiling. He ran back and hopped into line behind Lucas.
The line pushed forward and it was
once again Lucas' turn to run at Brad. Lucas ran at Brad top speed and tackled Brad full
force. Brad got knocked off his feet and fell back hard. "What's wrong Brad? Can't
take it?" Lucas said jogging away backward from Brad, who was lying on the ground
holding a tackle bag.
Lucas was laying into Brad harder
than anyone else. Everyone apart from Mike usually went a bit easy when Brad was holding
the tackle bag for fear of repercussions. "You'll get yours Sheridan. Or maybe I can
just take out that bitch of yours again. How about that?"
"What did you say?" Lucas
said stopping dead in his tracks.
"Oh. Nothing pretty boy. Go
back in line, give it another shot." Brad said tauntingly.
Lucas reluctantly stepped back into
line and awaited his next run at Brad. That last statement of Brads had really thrown him
off. Was it Brad that set Storm up? Or did he mean take Claire out on a date? He obviously
thought Lucas and Claire were an item. It was Lucas turn again and he ran at Brad, but his
concentration was not a hundred percent and he was bumped off.
"Better luck next time
Sweetheart." Brad snickered.
Lucas got up and jogged back,
furious and angry. He hated Brad, no doubt about it. Josh ran back from his run and stood
behind Lucas. "Don't let him get to you." Josh said patting Lucas on the back.
"Now go sit him on his ass."
Once again came Lucas' turn to run
at Brad. Lucas ran at Brad hard and fast, hitting him square on and knocking Brad on his
ass again. Brad got up and brushed himself off, snickering at Lucas. Lucas smiled at him
and turned to jog away when a flicker of light caught Lucas' attention. He turned back and
looked at Brad, Lucas' eyes moving down in slow motion. And there he saw what made his
blood run cold. Lying at Brad's feet, on the grass all alone. Storm's necklace. Lucas'
heart dropped. He knew now it was Brad who had set Storm up. They must have stolen Storm's
necklace when they beat him. Brad had been wearing Storm's necklace this whole time. The
necklace that Lucas had given to Storm to bond them together. Lucas shivered with anger
and disgust. "You." Lucas cursed under his breath.
Lucas charged at Brad, grabbing Brad
in a tackle and hauling him into the air before he slammed Brad to the ground, knocking
the wind out of Brad. Lucas threw off his helmet as he clenched his fist and slammed it
into Brads face before he had a chance to get his breath back. Brad threw his head
forward, head-butting Lucas. Lucas reared back and Brad took the opportunity by grabbing
Lucas' head and slamming it into his knee. Lucas grabbed his face in pain and saw Storm's
necklace on the ground beneath him. It fueled his anger even more as he picked it up and
clenched it in his fist before he slammed his fist into Brad's stomach.
Brad heaved and threw his fist back
into Lucas' face. Brad grabbed Lucas' head and head-butted him again. Lucas' nose started
to bleed but he didn't let up on Brad. Lucas unleashed a combo of punches on Brad, hitting
him continuously in the head and chest. Brad tried to get up and Lucas shot to his feet
before Brad could and he kicked Brad hard in the chest, knocking Brad back. Brad got up
again and threw another punch at Lucas but Lucas countered. Lucas grabbed Brad around the
torso and hauled him high into the air before he slammed him back down onto the ground.
Brad tried one more time to get to his feet and Lucas knowing he had the clear advantage
decided to end it once and for all. Lucas grabbed Brad by the neck and pulled him up.
"You touch Storm again and you won't ever be able to play football again.
Understand?"
Brad heaved, beaten and battered but
still ever defiant "Ooh you should have seen it Lucas." Brad teased "We
beat that bitch down good. Hit after hit after hit. I made that fucker bleed. I told him
to beg for mercy but still he wouldn't give in. Still he wasn't all that conscious, so I
can't really blame him. But I made him scream. How many people can say they've made Storm
Marcus scream."
Lucas shook with shock and horror.
The thought of what Brad had done to Storm killed him inside. Lucas anger reached unseen
heights. His face indignant and cold. Lucas felt sick to his stomach. He stood there in
shock, unable to move. Brad still limp and being held up by Lucas.
"I made Storm bleed. And I'm
gonna do it again." Brad said spitting in Lucas' face.
"NO!" Lucas screamed.
Any restraint Lucas once had just
disappeared. Lucas jerked Brad up before he let go of him. He shot his hands down and used
both his hands to chop brad hard on the ribs. In a flash, before Brad even had time to
reel back Lucas fired off a combo of hits. Lucas' hits furious and unstoppable. Power blow
after power blow. Double hit in the stomach, before moving up to Brads sternum. All
lightening fast and so quick Brad couldn't even fall down. Brad attempted a counter but
Lucas grabbed him and hauled him up once more before slamming him into the ground for the
third time with an almighty thud. Brad lay there motionless, unable to move. Lucas stood
over him before sitting himself down on Brad, pinning him down. Lucas leant down, getting
right in Brads face. "You...are nothing. You are a pathetic little being with big
muscles. But in case you hadn't noticed, I can kick your ass. So can Marcel and so can
Storm. I am going to track down every one of you who laid a finger on Storm. And I'm going
to make them pay. And then I'm going to break you Brad. I'm going to ruin you. And I'm
going to make you suffer."
"You can't stop me." Brad
muttered.
"You've just moved up to number
one on my hit list Brad. And I'll stop you, oh boy will I ever stop you." Lucas said
getting up.
Lucas looked around and noticed
everyone was looking on in shock. The whole team was watching on in quiet awe.
"Have you two quite finished
now?" Coach Anderson said.
"Uuuh yes sir." Lucas said
hauling Brad to his feet. "Aint that right Brad." Lucas said slapping Brad on
the back of the head.
"Yes Sir." Brad muttered.
"Everyone, hit the
showers." Coach yelled. "Show's over. But not you two. Get over here."
Lucas walked over to the Coach and
Brad stumbled over behind him painfully. The rain poured down on them but it didn't even
phase Lucas. Coach Anderson looked them up and down, assessing the damage the two had done
each other. Lucas had a few bruises, a bleeding nose but apart from that looked pretty
good. Brad on the other hand, wasn't as fortunate. His face was pretty busted up with the
makings of a shiner and busted lip. He stood hunched to his side, holding his rib area in
pain. "You alright there Brad?" Coach asked.
"I'm fine. Nothing wrong with
me." Brad said proudly.
"What about you Sheridan?"
Coach asked turning to Lucas.
"Just great." Lucas
replied.
"I hope you two have gotten
that all out of your system. Now shake hands."
Lucas scowled and turned to face
Brad. Brad extended his hand grudgingly and they shook, both trying to out squeeze the
other. Both snatching their hands away in disgust.
"Good, now both of
you
laps till you drop."
"Yes Sir." They both
replied.
Coach Anderson walked off and left
both of them standing there in the rain. Neither one wanting to be the first to budge.
"'You're pretty tough Sheridan." Brad muttered.
"Shut your damn mouth."
Lucas snarled back.
"You sure laid me out. Didn't
think you had it in you."
"Why? Why'd you do that to
Storm?"
"Because I hate him. My whole
life he's gotten up my nose with his smug coolness. It annoys the shit out of me. You know
I did it for you and Josh. He pushed you both around and then wanted a piece of me. When I
skipped class and we saw him walking around by himself, I just couldn't pass up the
chance. I did it for you man. And you're tough man, you don't need to hang with him, hang
with me. We're men, we had a good fight and we're both walking. Let's be friends."
"You did it because of me? I
can't believe this. Brad, you shouldn't have done that. It wasn't right. You stepped over
the line. I want you to apologize to Storm."
"WHAT? Hey I don't wanna be
friends that bad."
"Brad. You're going to
apologize and you're going to tell me the names of everyone who laid a finger on Storm. If
you don't. You're not walking off this field...you'll be carried off." Lucas said
putting one hand on Brads shoulder and the other against Brads ribs.
"AaaHh ok ok. I promise. Geez,
you should be thanking me."
"Ok who helped you."
"Scott, Cody, Josh and Peter.
That's it."
"Josh helped you?"
"Sure did. Why so
surprised?"
"I'm not a violent person but
right now I really feel like making you hurt like you never hurt before. You make me sick
how you can just beat someone without a second thought. Storm didn't deserve that. You
couldn't even face him one on one. It shows what a coward you are. That's what you are, a
weak little coward Brad. I'm not scared of you. Or any of your sidekicks. I kicked your
ass and I can kick theirs. And believe me, you're all going to pay for what you did."
Lucas said heading off to start his laps.
Brad stood there in the middle of
the field, soaking wet from the heavy rain that drenched him. His face was dirty and
covered with blood and mud. He watched Lucas walking away and snickered to himself.
"No Lucas. You're so wrong. You're the one who is going to pay." He muttered
under his breath.
* * * * * * *
Josh wandered back to his room from
the wash house with his bunch of just cleaned clothes. His hands were both full so he had
to use his feet to kick open his door. He tried to hurry because the rain was drenching
him and making his clothes all wet again. He kicked the door open and rushed inside.
"Lucas." Josh yelled jumping back in surprise.
"Why?" Lucas asked
bluntly.
"Why what?"
"Dont fuck with me. Tell
me why you did it?"
"Uhhh you mean Storm. I
didnt touch him I swear it Lucas."
"Were you there?"
"Yes."
"Then why didnt you stop
them?"
"I tried to man, I really did.
But they wouldnt listen. And I couldnt take all of them. They just kept
beating him."
Lucas stepped closer to Josh, trying
to contain the rage he felt within. "Give me something. Give me something to believe
that you are a decent human being. That youre not the same as Brad. You hurt the
person I would die for. You made him scream and you made him bleed. You may not have been
the one smashing his head against a wall but you sure as hell didnt do enough to
stop it and that makes you just as bad."
"Lucas, Im sorry. I did
stop them before they really caused him serious harm. And I helped carry him home. I know
it doesnt change the fact that Im weak but Ive been kicking myself over
not doing more ever since that day
I really am sorry."
"Good." Lucas said walking
out.
"Wait Lucas. Please dont
hate me. Im sorry, Im really sorry. Ill do anything. Youre my only
real friend."
"I WAS your only real friend.
Past tense. Get used to it."
Lucas walked through the mud and
rain oblivious to its effect on him. He was too angry to worry about trivial little things
like the wet and cold. It was fairly dark now and everyone else was already in their rooms
studying or messing around. Lucas felt cold and miserable, and he didnt care. It had
a numbing effect on him that helped keep him focussed.
Josh ran out after him wearing a
white shirt and shorts and no shoes. He ran after Lucas and stood in front of him blocking
his way. He put his hands on Lucas shoulders and Lucas retaliated instantly. Lucas threw
Josh hands off him and hit him with a one-two combo in the head making Josh stagger back.
When Josh didnt fall Lucas jabbed him four times in the chest and ribs before he
kicked him square in the gut knocking him backwards.
"You were supposed to be my
friend. And that makes me despise you even worse than Brad." Lucas said standing over
Josh.
Josh heaved in agony, curling into a
ball and holding his stomach. Josh crawled onto his knees and slowly stood up again, rain
falling off his face and his shirt and shorts all muddy. "Hit me as much as you want,
just please forgive me. Ill do anything." Josh choked up some blood but still
he managed to raise himself to his feet.
Lucas rage suddenly dissipated when
he saw Josh's blood. "Why?"
"Because youre the first
person in my entire life thats done something honest and good for me. And I
dont want to lose you. I want you to hit me until your rage is gone, so then you
might forgive me. So go on, keep hitting me."
"Oh my god. Im turning
into Brad. Im no better than he is. Josh Im so sorry." Lucas said picking
Josh up.
"I dont care. You can hit
me till I cant get back up, I dont care. I just want you to forgive me."
"I wont ever hit you
again. Im so sorry Josh. Please forgive me."
Josh put his arm around Lucas for
leverage and leant his head on him. "Youre good for me. Ive only
just started to stick up for myself because of you. You dont know how
important youve been to me."
"Im so sorry Josh.
Im so sorry."
"Forget it. I can handle a few
bruises. Im going to go lie down now. Promise you forgive me?"
"I promise."
Josh began to stagger back to his
room, his clothes all dirty and spots of blood on his shirt. "Ill apologize to
Storm as soon as we get back. I was always going to, now Ill just do it
sooner."
Lucas stood in the rain sick to the
stomach with himself. He had crossed the line, become the person he most despised. He ran
back after Josh and swept him up, carrying Josh into his room and laying him down gently
on his bed. "Im sorry Josh. Im so sorry."
"Trust me. I deserved it. Storm
went through a lot worse than this."
"I know but thats no
excuse. Ive always tried tot be a pacifist. A peacemaker. I hate violence. You know,
violence begets violence. I should know better. I swear Ill make it up to you
Josh."
"I just want you to be my
friend. Thats all I want from you."
"Ill try my best."
Lucas said getting teary eyed at the weak state Josh was in.
Josh sat up, holding his head.
"I need to go have a shower, Im all dirty."
"Let me help." Lucas said
finding a clean top and shorts.
"No thanks Lucas. I can
manage."
"Oh, sorry."
Josh stood to his feet painfully.
"You got quite a kick there Lucas. At least Brad had padding on when you got him.
Im complimenting your strength, not taking a dig at you."
Lucas rubbed his face trying to
shake off the anger he had at himself. He felt like he was on the verge of a nervous
breakdown, nothing was going right. "Why did they do it Josh?"
"Brad hates Storm. Always has,
always will. It goes back a long time. Storm has always been a step ahead of Brad. When
Brad saw Storm vulnerable he went straight for him. Brad wasnt exactly in the best
of moods having been just publicly embarrassed by Marcel. I wish I could have had the
courage Marcel did to stand up to Brad."
"So Brad and Storm have never
gotten on?"
"Never. Brad just hates how
Storm has always been better than him. Brad knows Storm is cool and that pisses him off.
Hes jealous. You know though come to think of it, Storm and Brad used to be friends
way way way way way back before Storm was even called Storm. When he used to be called
Daniel. They just grew apart I guess. That was years ago. But Brad hates Storm."
"Now theres something I
didnt know. Well I hate Brad. He makes me sick. I swear I wanted to beat him
unconscious today. I think of what he did to Storm and it makes me want to die. You
cant bear the thought of someone you love going through pain. Youd do anything
to trade places with them. When Brad said he broke Storm and made him scream that
just
killed me."
"Call him. Call him now."
"Storm?"
"No, the Pope. Of course Storm.
Call him."
"How?"
"Theres a shop about a
mile up, theres a phone outside."
"Im there. Thanks
Josh." Lucas said getting up.
"Later friend." Josh
smiled back at Lucas.
Lucas turned around and walked back
to Josh "Josh, Im really sorry. I feel so bad but I dont want you to
forgive me yet. Im going to earn your trust again. I promise."
Josh feigned a smile and nodded.
"Just dont hug me. I know you like hugging and all but Im a bit sore so
just get on out of here and call him."
"Ok Dude. Ill make it up
to you I promise. Bye." Lucas said walking out the door.
* * * * * * *
I opened our front door and walked
in. The lights were off and it was dark inside. I closed the door gently and walked inside
quietly. I walked up the stairs softly, plodding along till I got to my bedroom. I walked
into my room, throwing my bag down. I took off my shirt and put some shorts on, flopping
onto the bed. I yawned to myself so tired and worn. I closed my eyes and could feel the
Dreamscape pulling me in. Suddenly its pull was severed and I was jarred back to alert by
the phone. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I sat up and looked on at my phone as it rang
I let it ring on by itself. It stopped rather suddenly and I wondered who it could have
been.
Dade pushed my door open and threw
his phone at me "He's been calling all night. Now talk to him damnit." Dade said
slamming the door shut again.
"Storm." The voice
pleaded.
My heart sank as I heard that voice.
I hadn't heard it for so long. And even though it was the last voice I wanted to hear in
the world, I longed for it so much it killed me. Lucas.
"Storm...please." He
cried.
I fell back on my bed and curled up
into a little ball, holding the phone close to my ear. The sound of his voice and the
distress it was in setting off my tears. I couldn't believe it was him.
"Lu...Lucas." I stammered.
I could hear Lucas sighing in relief
and breathing heavily and I could tell he'd been crying a lot and was still crying
"Storm. I've missed you so much. I miss you baby. I've been so worried about you. I
wanna come back. Pleeaassee can I come back tonight?"
I wanted him to, I wanted him with
me right now. But I am such a proud idiot. "Lucas, where are you?"
"I'm...I'm at some phone booth.
I sneaked out of camp. I had to call you Storm. I found out about what they did to you
last Friday. Why didn't you tell me Storm?"
"How did you find out? What do
you know Lucas?"
"Mike told me. And I found your
necklace. They took it from you. I was so angry when I saw someone had taken that from
you. He told me...he told me..." Lucas said sobbing and shaking, he was having a hard
time getting the words out. "He told me he made you scream...and made you bleed. Why
didn't you tell me Storm?"
Images flooded me, becoming ever
more vivid. I just wanted to close them out of my mind. "Lucas. There's nothing you
can do about it." I said losing my breath a little as memories of the beating reared
their ugly heads "I was weak. That's why I screamed. It doesn't matter Lucas. I'm ok
now." I said taking a few deep breaths.
"You're not weak. That's how I
know they must have hurt you a lot to make you scream. When they made you scream, they
broke your spirit. And I can't believe I wasn't there. I should have known something was
wrong. I should have felt it."
"I don't want to talk about it
Lucas." I said sobbing. "Please don't make me talk about it."
I could picture Lucas right now,
crying and leaning his forehead against the phone box. "Oh Storm. I'm so sorry you
had to go through that. Please forgive me."
"I don't need to forgive you.
You didn't do anything wrong. It's my own fault for pushing you around. If I hadn't done
that, I wouldn't have been beaten. So you see, it's all my own fault. I deserved it. So I
don't have to forgive you because you didn't do anything wrong." I said still sobbing
hard and having trouble talking.
"You did NOT deserve that.
Nobody deserves that. Don't blame yourself for them hurting you. I can't believe how much
you must be going through. But don't you dare blame yourself for this. You don't deserve
that."
"Yeah I do. I'm pathetic."
"You are NOT pathetic. You must
be going through hell right now. I should be there with you. I wanna be there for
you."
"Lucas, Lucas I'm ok. You don't
need to worry about me." I said trying to talk calmly. "Lucas. Why did you
call?"
"Because I'm worried about you.
I know you're not ok. I know something's going on. I wanna help you."
I tried to get a grip on myself. I
wiped my tears away and tried to make my voice not sound like I had just been sobbing.
"Lucas. I don't know what to say."
I could hear Lucas sighing
"Just to hear the sound of your voice. Do you know how much I've missed your voice.
How much I've missed you."
I turned my face into the pillow
letting out a few muffled sobs, hoping Lucas wouldn't hear them. I couldn't say anything.
I just heaved with my deep breaths and sobs.
"Storm. Don't you love me
anymore?"
What? Did he really think that? Had
I been that much of a prick. "Of course I do." I replied.
"Then why did you leave me.
What did I do?"
"You didn't do anything. I
fucked up. I hurt you and I had to pay the price. And that was letting you go. It was the
right thing to do for you Lucas."
"No it wasn't. It was the worst
thing you could have ever done. That hurt me more than anything. We could have worked
through it. It wasn't worth losing you over Storm. You don't know how much you hurt me
even more by leaving me."
"See, no matter what I do I
hurt you. I can't handle that. I don't like hurting you. Can't you see you're better off
without me?"
"Now see...that hurts. I am NOT
better off without you. Do you realize that since we first met, we've never been apart for
more than a day or at least talked to each other on the phone. Until last week. These have
been the worst days of my life. You know, when I came to Merlow I really didn't want to.
But then I saw you that day on the bus, and you changed my life. You made ME feel special.
You made me feel loved and wanted and HAPPY. And that was even when we were just friends.
And now here we are, and whatever we had when we were friends is like 10 fold now. Dude,
you can't even fathom it."
"Lucas. I'm not important
anymore. Can't you see, it's time for you to move on. Everyone else has. I'm what you USED
to need. Now you need...you need to live man."
"I can't bear it without you
Storm. You don't know how much I need you. I need to see your face every morning. I need
to hold your hand. I need you to hear me tell you how much I love you every day. I need to
look into your eyes and see how much you love me. You take those away from me and you kill
me Storm."
"Lucas, I can hear the rain.
You're going to make yourself sick man. Go back to camp."
"No. I'll stand here all night
if I have to. I don't care if I get sick or catch cold. That's not important. You know
I've been here all night calling you and you weren't home. Dade has been worried sick.
Where have you been?"
"I've been walking around.
Around town and just walking the streets trying to sort myself out. A lot of the time I go
to our spot by the water. And I just lay down and sleep, or think."
"STORM!! Do you know how
dangerous that is? Don't do that. You'll make everyone worried sick."
"Who is everyone? Dade? It
doesn't matter. I just need time out."
"So where does that leave
us?"
"There is no 'US'."
"I'm so angry at you."
"Cool."
"No it's not cool. And it's not
over. We're going to sort this out. And don't think I'll let you run out on me this
time."
"fine." I said
submissively.
"Don't be like that Storm. I
didn't call you to be angry. I wanted to see if you were ok."
"Well as you can tell, I'm just
fine."
"Storm...don't be mad."
"You should go back to bed.
Don't worry I'll make sure I meet you when you get back tomorrow so you can yell at me.
Maybe you can just kick my ass too. That oughta fix my stupid ass up."
"Hey hey. Don't do that.
Please. Don't even imply that."
"I'm sorry. I know you'd never
do that. You should go Lucas, I really don't want you to get sick."
"I don't want to hang up
though. I want to hear your voice. I could even just stand here all night listening to you
sleep. Just to know you're safe."
"I love you Lucas."
Lucas went silent for a while and
all I could hear were his gentle sobs. "Do you know how much I've missed those words?
I know something's wrong Storm. I can feel you hurting. Why won't you let me help
you?"
"Because. I'm too stubborn and
proud."
"Don't you know how much I love
you? I know you need me right now."
I started sobbing again and wiping
my tears and trying to choke back the sobs "Yeah I do Lucas. I need you. I need you
here with me right now. I need help. I wish you were here with me. I tried to make it
alone but I couldn't. I need you Lucas, I need you." I sobbed.
"I'm coming back right now. I'm
coming baby. You need me and there ain't nothing going to stop me."
"It's too dangerous Lucas. It's
nearly 11.30pm. I don't want you getting hurt. Please. Wait until tomorrow. Go back to
Camp. I'll be ok."
"Storm. There isn't anything I
wouldn't do for you. If you want me to wait, I can wait."
"Good. Now go get some sleep.
I'll see you when you get back at school tomorrow."
"I love you Storm. I know you
need me and I'm going to be there for you. Because if I can't help the person I love more
than anything in the world then what's the point of being here at all."
"Can't you just jump through
this phone line? I'll see you tomorrow Lucas. I love you. Bye."
"Bye." Lucas whispered
having trouble saying the word.
I knew Lucas wouldn't hang up the
phone so I decided to do it for both of us. But boy did it ever hurt. I wanted him with me
now. But I knew this was best. Then again, I always think I know what's best. Usually I'm
just making more of a mess.
I lay back and tried to quell all
the turmoil inside. I felt drained and tired. But I still needed Lucas. And now he knew
it. And now I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight. I got up and turned my
light back on. I sat at my desk, tapping my fingers hoping I'd get tired. But nope, not a
hint of heavy eyelids. I looked at the night sky outside and wondered what Lucas was doing
right now. Hopefully on his way back to getting some good sleep.
I was actually feeling a lot better.
Just from talking to Lucas. Happy almost. Boy that was an odd feeling these days. I walked
out of my room to go downstairs and noticed Dade was still awake.
"Dade? You ok? Can't
sleep?" I asked walking into his room and sitting down on his bed next to him.
"You're asking if I'm ok? I
take it Lucas made you feel better huh. He tends to do that to people."
"I've been a prick I know. But
what are you still doing up?" I asked. Then I looked at him, and I knew straight
away. I started grinning more and more. I knew exactly why he couldn't sleep. "GIRL
TROUBLE!" I grinned.
"How did you know?" he
asked in surprise.
"HELLO You're talking to Mr. Ex
Stud. I've been there before. Just because I'm with a guy now doesn't mean I forgot what
it's like to be with girls. So come on, tell big bro what's up?"
"It's good to have you back. I
was getting sick of that other guy." Dade grinned. "Ok I'll tell you. I really
really like this girl but she's older than me. And I don't think she'd look at me THAT
way."
"Ok who is it?? Come on
spill."
"It's...Sarah."
"WHAT!" I yelled in
surprise.
"I'm fucking with you
man." Dade grinned. "It's not her. It's her friend, Claire."
"Oh you have got to be kidding.
Not her. Still, she's damn hot you know. I've kissed her before. Yup your big bro stud has
gotten pretty wild with that chick. And let me tell you...she is ffiiiiinnneee like you
wouldn't believe."
"I believe it. You lucky fuck,
you get all the girls. And you don't even like them."
"I like them! I'm not gay. I'm
well I guess you'd call me Bi. I love Lucas and I like girls. If it doesn't work out with
Lucas I think I'll go back to girls. But umm I think Lucas and I have got something
special."
"You do Bro. He loves you so
much. You know he and I went out on Saturday night. I took him out when you decided to run
away remember. Yeah and I was trying to make the guy have fun but no, all he could think
about was poor little Storm. He was pissed at you though." Dade laughed. "He's
going to kick your ass so bad. But only coz he wuvs his wil baby."
"You are such a fucken punk
sometimes Dade." I said smiling. "So you were trying to put the hits on my
boyfriend aye?" I laughed.
"You wish. This dick goes
straight up all the way. You guys do your thing, I'll do mine. And we'll all have world
peace. And he isn't even your boyfriend, you dumped him remember?"
"Umm yeah I remember. Momentary
lapse in judgement there. I think I had a few too many stupid cells beaten into me. Anyway
how did this conversation get to talking about me. I wanna know about you and Claire. Have
you asked her out? I'm telling you Dade, you will kick the competition off the
planet."
"Oh don't worry I know I'm the
hell babe. It's just that she's older than me."
"Oh boy. You are too much like
me. Cocky except you're cockiness is for real. You really are an egotistical little
fuck."
Dade started laughing his head off
at that last little jab. "Thank you thank you. Bro. It's good to have my punk
smartass of a brother back. Even though you're a real bitch sometimes. So you think I have
a chance?"
"She'd only not give you a shot
if she's a lesbian. And she's made moves on both me and Lucas so I pretty much doubt that.
And don't ask, it's a long story. She's great though. I really like her. Nice
person."
"Will you ask her out on a date
for me?"
"NO! Who do you think I am
Cupid? Go ask Marcel! Yeah he's great at this stuff. He'll help you out. I think."
"Yeah he will. He's been over
here a lot this week while you've been on you little 'trips'. He's worried about you. AND
IT'S YOUR SIXTEENTH NEXT WEEK! You have to sort things out with Marcel before then.
Promise me Storm. Now."
"Ok I promise. I'll talk to him
tomorrow. I promise."
"I know you never break your
promises so I expect you and Marcel to walk through that door tomorrow afternoon holding
hands and telling you how much you love each other. And I wanna see some tongue in there
too."
"Oh man SHUT UP. Horny little
shit. Get your ass to sleep." I said kissing him on the forehead.
"Love ya Bro. Night."
"Night Dade. I love you
too." I said turning off his light and closing the door gently behind me.
I walked downstairs and sat down at
the kitchen bench. I figured Mom would be home pretty soon so maybe I could surprise her
with a treat. I wasn't hitting the Dreamscape anytime soon so it couldn't hurt.
I got the kettle ready for Mom a hot
cocoa. Too late in the evening for coffee, Cocoa and some Cookies will have to do. I
thought Mom might be hungry too, I knew I was. I pulled out some chicken, mayo, lettuce,
cheese, sour cream, alfalfa sprouts and practically half the fridge with some fresh bread
so I could make my favorite sandwich. I put everything on and added a bit of seasoning
before I slapped it together with a slice of bread. I pulled out two plates and cut the
monster sandwich in half, putting one half on each plate. I noticed that as I did all this
I was actually singing to myself. It'd been a while since I did that. Things must be on
the up and up aye?
I pulled some OJ out and poured a
glass for both Mom and I. OJ for with the sandwich and Cocoa for with the Cookies. I set
the food on the table just as I heard the key in the door. I popped my head around the
corner and yelled "HEY MOM!"
Mom startled a bit till she saw it
was only me. "Hi Son." She said kissing me hello and carrying on upstairs.
"Are you hungry Mom? I made us
something to eat and there's some Cocoa and OJ there as well." I yelled after her.
"Ok Son. Just let me get
changed, I'll be right down."
"Ok Mom."
I went and sat down at the table and
waited for Mom to come down. She didn't take long and she came and sat down smiling.
"So how was work Mom?" I asked.
"Tiring. I'm getting too old
for this. I need to find some rich bachelor to take care of my two boys and me. Abby's got
her a man so she's ok. A vacation wouldn't go astray either."
"Mom I got a job to help you.
So you don't have to work as much."
"What? When do you start?
What's the job? Why didn't you talk to me about it before?"
"Ok ok ok back up back up. Down
at the Produce Warehouse. That's why I've been gone so early in the morning. Because we
have to be down there when the trucks get in at about 5am. And then I go back after school
too. I started on Monday afternoon. I've been working every day this week."
"What about Karate? And how did
you get your Track practice in? And that still doesn't explain why you didn't tell me
about this before." Mom was starting to look a bit angry as she spoke. Number one
rule Storm, don't piss Mom off.
I ran to the fridge and pulled out
my pay envelope off the top. I sat back down at the table handing it to Mom. "It's ok
Mom. I did it for you. Here." I said urging her to open it.
Mom opened up the envelope and
pulled out the money that was inside. Her eyes went wide as she counted it all. "Son,
how many hours did you work? There's over 200 dollars in here."
"Umm I worked all the hours I
could Mom. I didn't want to tell you because I knew you'd say no. But look now you don't
have to work as much. I don't want any of that money, it's all for you."
"Oh Son. I don't know what to
say. We're not having money trouble. I don't work to make money Storm, it's more because
it's something for me to do. I like working. I don't need this money. And as much as I
appreciate the way in which you gave it and worked for it. I want you to have it. And for
once I want you to buy something totally impractical. Buy a new pair of blades or
something."
"Mom, you just killed it. I
wanted you to have this. You work too hard and too much."
"Don't worry I'm on day shift
next week. I'll be able to spend more time with you kids. And Storm. I want you to cut
down your hours. I don't mind if you work but I want you to make sure you leave enough
time to hang out with your friends, to do your homework, and to go to training. And time
to relax. You do all those things and I'll let you keep working. You don't do those things
and I'll get you fired boy, do you understand?"
"Yes Sir Mom Sir."
"I'm very proud of you Storm.
You're such a beautiful boy, inside and out. I like to think you get them from me but I
suppose your father had something to do with it. I want you to know how very proud I am of
who you are. I mean, doing this for me was such a selfless thing to do. It's a true
example of your character Son. You're responsible, you're sweet, intelligent, and
beautiful, you look after your mother. You have great friends. You don't cause any
trouble. I mean I could be biased because I'm your mother but I don't think I'm the only
one who thinks of you that way. I'm sure all your friends feel the same, and Lucas."
"Mom. You're spoiling me."
"No I'm not. I'm just telling
the truth. I'm proud of both you and Dade. I know what your answer will be but I still
need to ask you Storm. Do you mind me taking care of Mike and Marcel?"
"Oh Mom. I don't mind.
Especially not with Mike. Mike's family. No doubt about it. And Marcel just adores you, he
dotes over you as if you were his own Mom. I think they're very lucky."
"I thought that's what you'd
say. Are you working tomorrow morning?"
"Yeah, I am Mom."
"Then go to bed. I'll clean
up."
"No, you go to bed. I'll clean
up. Then I'm going to lie down on the couch and watch TV for a bit. I'm really not tired.
And it's Friday tomorrow, I can get some sleep tomorrow after work. I'll get my hours cut
down for next week."
"Ok Son. Thank you for the bite
to eat. And thank you for the money gesture. I want you to buy something stupid you hear.
Nothing practical for once."
"Yes Mom."
"Night Son." She said
kissing me goodnight.
"Night Mom." I said as she
headed upstairs.
I cleared away the mess and made
sure the kitchen was spotless. Now I was actually starting to get a bit tired. I yawned as
I lay down on the couch, the rain gently lulling me to sleep. I grabbed the remote to see
what was on TV but the dreamscape claimed me before I could turn it on.
* * * * * * *
"I'm superman?"
"Yes you are Storm Marcus
a.k.a. Superman." The voice said.
I looked at my surroundings. A white
room with no doors, no windows and no exits. Just walls all around. I looked down at what
I was wearing and cringed, a super hero's outfit. Supermans to be specific. An ice blue
and white suit with no cape thank goodness. Made me look rather spiffy I think. I couldn't
see who had spoken to me, it's voice not male nor female and not originating from any one
point.
"Wow, that's cool man. I'm glad
I'm wearing the new outfit and not that girly underwear on the outside red and blue one.
This is much cooler. So like have I got those death rays and shit?"
"Death rays yes. Shit no.
Superman doesn't need to shit. He eats his food and it magically disappears. Do you really
think a superhero needs to go to the potty?"
"I guess not." I said. I
began jumping up and down "Ok so why can't I fly?"
"Because your head is telling
you can't fly. Tell it you can. Don't think you can, know you can."
"Ok." I replied. I tried
thinking I could fly up and sure enough up I went, straight into the ceiling. "Ow.
Who put that ceiling there?"
"You're not a very good
superhero."
"Well I wanna be a better one.
But I don't know how." I said bringing myself back down.
"You have to stop doubting
yourself. Start realizing who you are and what you can do."
"Who am I though? And what can
I do."
"You are Storm Marcus. You have
the power to make your own life your best heaven or your worst hell. No one else decides
your fate except you."
"Why can't I see you? Who are
you?"
"Do you really want to
know..."
"Yes."
"Very well then."
I stood in awe as before me a
splinter of light erupted into a spectrum of many colors. And in that light a form began
to make itself visible. I still could not make out the form but the voice began to speak
to me "I am..."
* * * * * * *
I was pulled from my Dreamscape by a
knocking at the door. I looked around and noticed it was still dark, rain pouring down
hard outside. I looked at my watch, 3.00am in the morning. Who the hell could this be? I
was a bit scared that it could be a burglar but I was more pissed that whoever it was
chose such a bad time for a visit.
I got up and noticed I was a little
cold because I had no covers and I wasn't wearing my shirt. I rubbed myself to warm up a
little and headed towards the door. "Who is it?" I asked.
"It's me Storm. Lucas."
I pulled the door open hurriedly and
gasped at Lucas in surprise. There he stood wet and drenched from standing in the rain. He
stood there looking at me with those beautiful eyes and smiled timidly. I couldn't believe
he was standing in front of me in the rain, 3am in the morning. He obviously didn't listen
to what I said and go back to camp. "What are you doing here? How did you get
here?"
I waited for Lucas to reply but he
didn't. He looked to the side and motioned for someone to come over. Rain was pouring down
so hard that it was difficult to hear anything. I waited for this mysterious guest to
appear when a figure stepped into the doorway standing next to Lucas.
"Hi Storm."
"Marcel." I said in
surprise. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Well, I got a bit of a
distress call tonight from Mr. Sheridan here. So I 'borrowed' the folks Wrangler and went
to get him. I think you guys need to sort some things out. I'll see you later Storm."
Marcel said turning to walk away.
"No wait Marcel." I said
grabbing his shoulder. "Lucas, I just wanna..."
"I know, I'll wait
inside." Lucas said heading into the house.
Marcel turned to look at me but kept
his eyes elsewhere. We were both standing outside now and getting soaked. I moved us under
the overhang so we wouldn't get wet. "Thank you, Marcel."
"Anything for you Storm. I know
you think I'm drifting away but I'm not. You are. I don't want you to. I need you in my
life, as my best friend, as my brother, whatever. Just don't go pushing me away again or
I'll kick your ass."
"You can't kick my ass." I
said smiling.
"Yeah I can."
"No you can't."
"Yeah I can."
"Yeah you can."
"No I can't."
"You're damn straight you
can't." I said grinning.
Marcel grinned back at me hitting
himself on the head for letting me trick him. "Ok ok, you win. Are we cool now?"
"We're cool." I said
smiling. "I just had to pull my head out of my ass. Thank you for being such a great
friend Marcel."
"Could I be any better? I don't
think so. Forget the rest, Marcel's the best."
"Yeah mate. You're the
best." I said smiling broadly. "Anyone you consider a friend is extremely lucky.
I'm getting all mushy now. I love you man. Are we still on for next week? You know I'm
only having a party because it's with you. We can't break tradition man."
"Wait a minute. Have you ever
actually told me you loved me, face to face. This is a miracle."
"Yeah I have. Don't say that,
you're making me feel bad. I can only say I love you to a few people. You're one of them.
I don't say it easily but once I feel it for someone you'll get pissed off at how much I
say it to you. WAIT A MINUTE!!! I have said I love you. Lots of times."
"I know, I just wanted you to
feel mushy for me." Marcel grinned. "I love you too. And I'm glad we sorted this
out before the birthday party. It's our 16th man!! This is gonna rock! Anyway I better
leave you two lovebirds alone."
"Thank you Marcel. Thank you
for doing this." I pulled Marcel close to me and hugged him tightly. We rubbed each
others back and I felt warm and happy that we'd come back together again. I pulled his
head back and kissed him gently, then hugged him tight again.
Marcel pulled away but kept his
hands on my sides "You two sort this out ok. I want you two to be happy. So pull your
head out of your ass for him too."
"Ok I will. Bye Marcel."
Marcel walked off and turned around
when he got to his car. "Later Bro!" He grinned getting in and driving away.
I waved back and turned around to go
back inside the house. Time to face the music. I felt like I was about to get my ass
kicked or be told off. Still that's what happens when you're an idiot right. I stepped
inside and saw Lucas standing there nervously. I closed the door behind me gently, leaning
my head against it and taking a few deep breaths. Here we go, round two. I turned back to
face Lucas and wanted to say something but I couldn't. I just looked in his eyes and felt
my heart sink.
"Ok. Yell." I said bracing
myself.
"I dont want to."
"Yeah you do."
"I did want to before. But now
I just want you."
Lucas began to say something but I
put my finger to his lips and halted him. I tried to say something but I couldn't get the
words out, I was too choked up. I took a few deep breaths trying to control my sobs.
"Lucas...I'm so sorry. You came back. You came back for me. How could I ever get
someone who loves me enough to do that. You are so special Lucas. I don't know what to
say..."
"Storm. I'm sorry, I couldn't
stay away. I missed you baby. I've been hurting for you so much. I love you. I love you so
much. Why won't you be with me? Why aren't I good enough for you to fight for?" Lucas
sobbed.
I couldn't bear to hear Lucas say
that he's not good enough. That just set me off. I couldn't believe Lucas thought he
wasn't good enough. Had I hurt him so bad that he thinks less of himself? I couldn't say
anything because I was crying so much. I couldn't believe Lucas thought that. I leaned my
head into him sobbing continuously and pulled him close so I could feel him near me. Every
time I tried to say something I'd just sob again. I felt the hurt that I had put Lucas
through just by that one little statement. His face was leaning on my shoulder and he was
crying hard. I never ever felt so terrible before. I pulled his face up so I could look in
his eyes. "Lucas...don't you ever say you're not good enough. You and I both know how
good you are."
"Then why didn't you fight to
save us? Why didn't you care enough to want me? Do you know how much it hurt to see the
person you love more than anything in the world, the person you'd die for, give up on you
and walk away without ever coming back."
I gasped in horror and shock at what
I'd done to him. I couldn't even breathe properly. I stumbled backwards till I reached the
wall and not once taking my eyes off Lucas, I just wanted to die. "I'm sorry." I
cried, sliding down the wall.
I buried my head in my hands and hid
myself from the world. I sobbed out loud and uncontrollably. My heart just feeling empty
and cold. I never cried so hard before.
"No no don't do this Storm.
Please don't break down on me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. Please stop crying,
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You've been through enough hell already. Please Storm."
Lucas said in a panic.
He sat down next to me and tried to
comfort me but I wouldn't let him. I sat there staring at the floor not responding to him.
Shaking and sobbing, unable to gain my composure. "I...hurt...you." I sobbed
shaking. "I don't deserve you."
"Yes you do. Yes you do. Please
don't say that. Please don't cry Storm. We deserve each other, we belong together. Storm,
I can't be with anyone else. I don't want to be. I want you. I want you." he said
trying to raise my face up.
I turned away from him and leaned my
head on my knees. I shook heavily with deep breaths my only way to steady myself. I rocked
myself gently, trying to lull myself with the rocking motion. I wanted to just hide myself
from the world. Crawl into a safe little shell and never come out.
"Damnit Storm. Stop it. Now.
Look at me." Lucas said firmly. "I said look at me."
"Shut up." I mumbled.
"Fine. Be that way." Lucas
said getting up.
"Ok." I replied quietly,
still rocking myself gently.
"It's like talking to a fucking
brick wall. You're never going to budge are you."
I looked up at Lucas, my eyes
defeated and sad. "No." I nodded painfully.
"Storm. Stand up. Now."
I eased my back against the wall and
slid up it slowly. I kept my eyes fixed on the ground as I stood there like an obedient
dog. Still, I didn't have the spirit left in me anymore.
"Look into my eyes and tell me
you don't love me. And I'll walk out that door and never come back. If that's what you
really want, I'll give it to you."
I knew it was the right thing for me
to say. Tell him you don't love him and set him free. But I couldn't. I loved him too
much. I knew I'd lose him forever. And all of a sudden that seemed an awfully long time.
"I...I can't."
"Then fight for me. Fight for
us."
"How?"
"You have to work that out
yourself. But this might help." Lucas said pulling out the dolphin necklace he gave
me.
I leaned my head forward as Lucas
put it gently back around my neck, where it belonged. I felt like a missing part of me had
been restored. This was my connection to Lucas. I grabbed Lucas' hand as he finished and
looked at the matching ring closely. "These mean we're connected don't they?" I
gulped.
"Forever."
I looked at the ring and felt Lucas
hand, a new determination instilled in me. "I'll fight for you Lucas. I'll fight for
us. I want us to be together again. I always wanted it. I just thought I was doing the
right thing. But it wasn't the right thing. I should have stayed and tried to work this
out with you."
Lucas put his hands on my arms and
gripped them tightly "YES! Storm, relationships are going to have their ups and
downs. A test of how strong they are is their ability to work through these ups and downs.
You can't just give up at the first sign of trouble."
"I know that now. I should have
tried. I'm sorry. But don't think it's because I don't love you. I will always love you.
Ok. Lucas I am sorry for pushing you that day. And yelling at you. And for hurting you.
Every piece of me hated myself for what I did. I promise you I will never ever do that
again. The question is: Will you forgive me?"
"YES! Now it's my turn. Will
you forgive me for telling Josh about us? I never meant to hurt you. I'd hurt myself
before seeing you get hurt."
"I forgive you. And I know
you'd never intentionally hurt me. But you have to know Lucas, you can't just tell
everyone. The world isn't ready for us. People will try and hurt you."
"I know. I know. I'm sorry. I
just can't help it. I get so happy inside because I have you and I just want to shout it
out to the world."
"I know, I know. I'm the same.
Sometimes you get an attack of the warm fuzzies and they make you wanna open up your mouth
and say 'I LOVE LUCAS!!' aye?" I said smiling.
"That's the one Dude. Blame it
on the warm fuzzies." Lucas smiled.
"You know, you were pretty
harsh."
"I'm sorry for being so harsh,
but you needed it. Or you would never have let me in. I needed to get in to help you. But
you're such a stubborn shit you won't let anyone in. But I'm not ever letting you close
yourself off from me again. From now on, when you hurt, I hurt. When you cry, I cry. And
when you smile, I smile."
"Umm so does that mean we're
back together now?" I asked sheepishly.
"You may have let me go, but I
never ever let you go. As far as I'm concerned we never broke up. We just had a long rough
patch."
"Am I allowed to kiss
you?"
"Would you stop fucking asking.
Take it, it's yours."
I put my hands up to Lucas face,
feeling that beautiful soft skin I'd been missing. I leaned forward and pulled him closer
to me. Our lips touching once again for the first time in nearly a week. I angel kissed
him tenderly, tasting his strawberry lips that had me hooked. We kissed tentatively and
nervously at first. It had been a while and we both weren't sure of how to go. Eventually
I just let go of my cautious inhibition and let loose on Lucas. Kissing him passionately
and slipping my tongue through his lush lips. I pulled him closer to me and wrapped my
arms around him. The embrace feeling ever more familiar by the second. Eventually we ran
out of breath and had to take a break. "I missed my strawberry fix." I said
smiling.
Lucas leaned his head against mine
still breathing heavily. "Dude. You don't know how much I missed my baby. I can't go
a day without a piece of my Storm. I want to nail home a few points though..."
"What is it?"
Lucas pressed his body against mine
tightly. He took off his jersey and shirt and threw them on the floor, pressing his chest
against mine. The feel of his skin and warmth driving me crazy. Our nipples teasing each
other tauntingly. I couldn't bear it anymore and sprung a woody. I could tell he had one
too because they were both pressing hard against one another through the clothing.
"Oh fuck I'm getting horny man."
Lucas angel kissed me while he took
my hands and moved them up his back. My fingers tracing as much skin as possible.
"Can you feel that? Well that's yours. It belongs to you."
Then he moved my hands down slowly.
Further and further, till we reached the top of his boxers. I gasped and gulped for
breath. Getting hotter and hotter every minute. He slid my hands down underneath his
boxers, resting my fingers and hands on his smooth, soft cheeks. "Can you feel that?
Well that's yours too. It belongs to you."
Lucas then moved my hands around
towards the front of his boxers. I couldn't believe what my fingers were feeling. They
brushed past his pubes till my fingertips touched his manhood teasingly. He wrapped my
hand around it and my heart almost stopped. It was so hot, and really hard. And big too. I
had never felt another guys thing before. So this was a pretty new experience. It was so
warm and I actually liked having my hand wrapped around it because it felt nice. It was so
hard though. Lucas didn't move, he just watched me and teased me with his heavy breathing
and subtle movements. "Can you feel all of that? Well that's yours as well. It
belongs to you."
"I...I...don't know what to
say." I said gulping.
Lucas leaned in closer to me and
held me tightly. I moved my arms around to hold him close to me and I leant my head on his
shoulder. Burying my face in his neck. "Don't you get it Storm. I belong to you.
Everything you can touch is yours. Everything you can feel is yours. Everything you can
see is yours. Everything I am...is yours."
"Oh my god." I gasped.
"Lucas...you just kill me man. I'm skipping a few beats here. You make me feel so
special, like a king."
"That's because you are. You're
my king."
"Lucas..." I said
nervously.
"Yes my love?"
"I want to make love with
you..."
"Aye?" Lucas squeaked in
surprise.
"I want to make love to you.
I'm ready." I said kissing Lucas gently.
"Are you sure?" Lucas said
leaning his head against mine and using his eyes to peer into my soul.
"Never been so sure in my
life." I sighed. "It just feels right, at this moment. I want to make love to
you. I want to share myself with you. I want to be with you."
"I want you so bad." Lucas
gasped. "I want you more than anything in the world. But...we can't."
"I want you too." I
whined. "Why can't we make love? I want you. Are you punishing me?"
"I'm not punishing you. But I
don't want you to wake up in the morning and regret it. I know you want the first time to
be special. I do too. That's why I want us to wait. At least until you turn 16."
"Yup. You're punishing
me." I said sliding back down the wall.
"Ok then, come on. Right
now." Lucas said beginning to take off the rest of his clothes. I thought about how
many times I'd seen this strip show before. And it made me realize, I could wait a few
more if I had to. Just as Lucas had thrown off his socks and was about to go for his
boxers I pulled him down next to me.
"No no. I'm sorry." I said
laughing a little.
"What's so funny?" Lucas
asked bewildered.
"You are. You were going to
give in just to make me happy."
"I'll give you anything Storm.
A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G."
I brought Lucas' hand to my lips and
kissed it gently. We locked our fingers together and sat there looking out the window.
Both leaning against the wall, sitting on the floor wearing nothing but our boxers. I
moved over and sat myself in Lucas lap, curling into a ball. Lucas held me in his arms,
caressing me gently. I couldn't help smiling, I felt so lucky. I gently nuzzled into his
neck and kissed it gently. "I can wait forever if that's how long it takes."
"I sure hope not Dude. I was
planning on a few weeks wait at most. More than that and I don't think I'd survive."
"That's good. Because I can't
wait to run my fingers all over your body..." I said tracing my index finger down his
chest slowly. "And then taste every single piece of you." I ran my lips down his
neck slowly and then down his chest. I teased his nipple with my tongue before I sucked on
it gently.
Lucas gasped "Storm. Oh man
you're making this really hard. How am I supposed to be able to wait if you keep doing
those things to me."
I pulled my lips off and looked up
at Lucas, grinning wildly. "Uhh lemme think. You DON'T wait. But fine, you have it
your way. No more nookie till Stormy gets his booty."
"You are cruel Dude. But you'll
thank me later on. I'm going to have to go home and relieve myself you know."
"You know I only do it because
I love you. Nobody else gets the Storm treatment. I've missed teasing you like this."
"I bet you have." Lucas
laughed. "You know I'm not even tired. I could just sit here all night holding
you."
"Well I wish I could. But you
realize we've been here for over an hour. I have to get ready to go to work soon."
"What?"
"Yeah Ive been working
down at the Produce Warehouse. Have to be there by 5am."
"Shit it's nearly 4.30am
already."
"I know, I know. I'm getting my
hours cut next week, orders of Mom. Don't fuck with Mom you know."
"I don't want you to go. I want
you to stay with me. We only just got back together. I haven't seen you for nearly a week.
Please don't go."
"I know what. You weren't going
to go to school today anyway right? So you go sleep in my bed. And then when I finish work
I'll come home and we can spend the day together. Just you and I."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"That's all I needed to
hear." Lucas said sweeping me up into his arms and carrying me over the threshold.
"What are you doing?"
"Well you know you need to
shower up before you go. I'm just giving you a free ride upstairs. And since you work so
hard, I think I should help wash you. You need to save your strength for work big
boy."
"Well then, hurry up. I don't
have all day." I said grinning.
* * * * * * *
That was by far the biggest
chapter yet. I got a lot of requests to post the next chapter on nifty so after
almost two years I decided to do it. I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as
I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Stay Tuned for Chapter 11 and send me a note to let me know what you thought of
Chapter 10
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